1 Corinthians 13
(King James Version)
Love
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth [1] not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; [2] 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; [3] whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. [4] 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought [5] as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; [6] but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Friends,
The LORD has given us instruction on how we are to live as Christians, and it surely must grieve His heart to see the way we treat each other, as with the bickering that goes on amongst us as though we are unregenerated worldlings instead of children of the King.
I am as guilty as anyone of not being as kind, patient, or loving as I should be to others and my prayer is “LORD, let this wickedness stop with me.”
If it means I must bear patiently with insults, then so be it.
If it means I lay my life down for others, then so be it.
If it means I stand back and let others go before me, then so be it.
I pray that each of us will remember that Christ died for our Christian brothers and sisters and we will bear patiently with one another. Thank you.
For His Glory,
Angela Wittman
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain:
but a woman that feareth the LORD,
she shall be praised.
Proverbs 31:30 KJV
http://www.angelawittman.net/
Monday, October 5, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
A 'higher calling'
Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, recently announced her intention to resign from office, and offered this explanation in her resignation speech:
"In fact, this decision comes after much consideration and finally polling the most important people in my life - my children (where the count was unanimous... well, in response to asking: 'Want me to make a positive difference and fight for ALL our children's future from outside the Governor's office?' It was four 'yes's' and one 'hell yeah!' The 'hell yeah' sealed it - and someday I'll talk about the details of that... I think much of it had to do with the kids seeing their baby brother Trig mocked by some pretty mean-spirited adults recently.) Um, by the way, sure wish folks could ever, ever understand that we all could learn so much from someone like Trig - I know he needs me, but I need him even more... what a child can offer to set priorities right – that time is precious... the world needs more 'Trigs', not fewer."
(Source: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/exec-column.php)
While I am sympathetic to the toll politics has taken on Gov. Palin’s family, I sincerely hope and pray she will see that the ‘higher calling’ she alluded to seeking on a social networking website is that of a wife and mother.
God’s Word tells us that women are “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” (Titus 2:5 KJV) And while married women can be supportive and helpful to godly men seeking political office, it is not to take the place of or interfere with their higher calling of being a wife and mother.
What are the scriptural qualifications for civil officers? “The Scriptural Basis for Christian Civil Government” which is found in the book Explicitly Christian Politics – The Vision of the National Reform Association, edited by William O. Einwechter and published by The Christian Statesman Press in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania tells us:
1. Civil rulers are ministers of God, deriving all just authority ultimately from Him (Prov. 8:15-16; Rom. 13:4-6).
2. Civil officers hold their trust from God, through the people, to protect and enforce right, and restrain and punish evil doers (Rom. 13:4-6; 1Pet. 2:13-14).
3. Hence, none but able, just, and God-fearing men should be exalted to the office of civil ruler (Ex. 18:21; 2 Sam. 23:2-3). (Emphasis mine.)
4. When immoral men are elevated to the civil magistracy, wickedness and wicked men are encouraged (Ps. 12:8).
5. Civil rulers are enjoined to learn Christ’s law, and acknowledge and obey Him as King (Ps. 2:10-12).
6. They are required to consult God’s revealed law as the great law-book of the nation. (Deut. 17:18-20).
7. Just and God-fearing rulers bring the clear sunshine of peace and prosperity to a nation (2 Sam. 23:3-4).
American Christians would do well to follow God’s Word for national peace and prosperity and vote only for qualified godly men. Amen.
"In fact, this decision comes after much consideration and finally polling the most important people in my life - my children (where the count was unanimous... well, in response to asking: 'Want me to make a positive difference and fight for ALL our children's future from outside the Governor's office?' It was four 'yes's' and one 'hell yeah!' The 'hell yeah' sealed it - and someday I'll talk about the details of that... I think much of it had to do with the kids seeing their baby brother Trig mocked by some pretty mean-spirited adults recently.) Um, by the way, sure wish folks could ever, ever understand that we all could learn so much from someone like Trig - I know he needs me, but I need him even more... what a child can offer to set priorities right – that time is precious... the world needs more 'Trigs', not fewer."
(Source: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/exec-column.php)
While I am sympathetic to the toll politics has taken on Gov. Palin’s family, I sincerely hope and pray she will see that the ‘higher calling’ she alluded to seeking on a social networking website is that of a wife and mother.
God’s Word tells us that women are “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” (Titus 2:5 KJV) And while married women can be supportive and helpful to godly men seeking political office, it is not to take the place of or interfere with their higher calling of being a wife and mother.
What are the scriptural qualifications for civil officers? “The Scriptural Basis for Christian Civil Government” which is found in the book Explicitly Christian Politics – The Vision of the National Reform Association, edited by William O. Einwechter and published by The Christian Statesman Press in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania tells us:
1. Civil rulers are ministers of God, deriving all just authority ultimately from Him (Prov. 8:15-16; Rom. 13:4-6).
2. Civil officers hold their trust from God, through the people, to protect and enforce right, and restrain and punish evil doers (Rom. 13:4-6; 1Pet. 2:13-14).
3. Hence, none but able, just, and God-fearing men should be exalted to the office of civil ruler (Ex. 18:21; 2 Sam. 23:2-3). (Emphasis mine.)
4. When immoral men are elevated to the civil magistracy, wickedness and wicked men are encouraged (Ps. 12:8).
5. Civil rulers are enjoined to learn Christ’s law, and acknowledge and obey Him as King (Ps. 2:10-12).
6. They are required to consult God’s revealed law as the great law-book of the nation. (Deut. 17:18-20).
7. Just and God-fearing rulers bring the clear sunshine of peace and prosperity to a nation (2 Sam. 23:3-4).
American Christians would do well to follow God’s Word for national peace and prosperity and vote only for qualified godly men. Amen.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
A Call to Raise a Biblical Standard (Part Two)
Last week we looked at Scriptures (Psalm 33: 12-22 and Psalm 53: 1-3) which tell us that the nation whose God is the Lord is blessed and those who say there is no God are foolish and corrupt. This week I want to share with you “The Scriptural Basis for Christian Civil Government” which is found in the book Explicitly Christian Politics – The Vision of the National Reform Association, edited by William O. Einwechter and published by The Christian Statesman Press in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The first section on page 256 is under the heading of “Scriptural Teaching as to the Origin and Nature of the Nation” and tells us:
1. God is the Author of all national life (Deut. 26:19; Ps. 86:9; Acts 17:24 – 26).
2. God brings each particular nation into existence in its own time in the progress of the world’s history (Acts 17:26).
3. God gives to each nation its own rightful territory (Acts 17:26).
4. It is, therefore, God’s prerogative, as the Just Ruler of nations, to take away national life, as well as to bestow and maintain it (Jer. 18: 7-10).
5. The nation, a being which God creates, and which He rewards for its righteousness, or destroys for its sins, is a moral being to which God has given supreme moral law. (Deut. 6:1-3; 8:1).
6. Civil government, the institution for the regulation and control of national life, is in its principle the ordinance of God, and is to be obeyed as such a divine ordinance (Rom. 13:1-2).
7. Civil government, in its framework or constitution, the distribution and arrangement of its powers, is the ordinance of man (1 Pet. 2:13-14).With these points in mind, we can look at the efforts to consolidate nations through a Biblical viewpoint as being man’s effort at autonomous rule. He has shaken his fist at God and declared that by his own efforts he will rule, reign and bring in a utopia, while Scripture reminds us that only God can give man true peace and happiness.
One can examine the efforts at globalization, the United Nations, the European Union, the possibility of a North American Union, etc. and see that the fruits they are producing reek of corruption and tyranny. And while some laugh at the recent moves of States to declare their sovereignty and rights to the leviathan known as the federal government in the united States of America, the Biblical response may be for us to take a moment to stand still and declare the glory of the Lord and His hand in this movement.
As stated in Acts 17: 26, students of history and the Holy Bible can attest that God “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation...”
Friends, as we continue to watch history unfold, I pray you’ll seek the LORD. Amen.
The first section on page 256 is under the heading of “Scriptural Teaching as to the Origin and Nature of the Nation” and tells us:
1. God is the Author of all national life (Deut. 26:19; Ps. 86:9; Acts 17:24 – 26).
2. God brings each particular nation into existence in its own time in the progress of the world’s history (Acts 17:26).
3. God gives to each nation its own rightful territory (Acts 17:26).
4. It is, therefore, God’s prerogative, as the Just Ruler of nations, to take away national life, as well as to bestow and maintain it (Jer. 18: 7-10).
5. The nation, a being which God creates, and which He rewards for its righteousness, or destroys for its sins, is a moral being to which God has given supreme moral law. (Deut. 6:1-3; 8:1).
6. Civil government, the institution for the regulation and control of national life, is in its principle the ordinance of God, and is to be obeyed as such a divine ordinance (Rom. 13:1-2).
7. Civil government, in its framework or constitution, the distribution and arrangement of its powers, is the ordinance of man (1 Pet. 2:13-14).With these points in mind, we can look at the efforts to consolidate nations through a Biblical viewpoint as being man’s effort at autonomous rule. He has shaken his fist at God and declared that by his own efforts he will rule, reign and bring in a utopia, while Scripture reminds us that only God can give man true peace and happiness.
One can examine the efforts at globalization, the United Nations, the European Union, the possibility of a North American Union, etc. and see that the fruits they are producing reek of corruption and tyranny. And while some laugh at the recent moves of States to declare their sovereignty and rights to the leviathan known as the federal government in the united States of America, the Biblical response may be for us to take a moment to stand still and declare the glory of the Lord and His hand in this movement.
As stated in Acts 17: 26, students of history and the Holy Bible can attest that God “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation...”
Friends, as we continue to watch history unfold, I pray you’ll seek the LORD. Amen.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
A Call to Raise a Biblical Standard (Part One)
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” – Psalm 33: 12
One only has to read the daily news to see that our nation is in dire straits and we have lost our course. We have enemies within and without our shores which seek to destroy us. And while we watch the storm clouds gather and many are predicting doom and gloom for America, I have hope.
Psalm 33, verses 12 -22 tells us:
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.”
My hope lies in the person of Jesus Christ, and while others may trust in our government and its leaders for security, I prefer the solid rock and refuge found only in Christ. While others may fear and tremble at the future, I can look to the One who holds the future in His hands and find peace. I find courage when I reflect upon the absolute set standards of God’s Law, His promises for obedience and examples of His blessings throughout history for those nations who honored Him.
My fear is for those who dismiss God and His Word as they seek to live autonomous lives devoid of any Biblical standards, Christian ethics and understanding.
Psalm 53, verses 1 – 3 tells us:
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”
Friends, let us not be like the fool and deny the existence of a holy and just God, but instead let’s seek His kingdom and all righteousness by raising a Biblical Standard in our spheres of influence, including our civil government.
One only has to read the daily news to see that our nation is in dire straits and we have lost our course. We have enemies within and without our shores which seek to destroy us. And while we watch the storm clouds gather and many are predicting doom and gloom for America, I have hope.
Psalm 33, verses 12 -22 tells us:
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.”
My hope lies in the person of Jesus Christ, and while others may trust in our government and its leaders for security, I prefer the solid rock and refuge found only in Christ. While others may fear and tremble at the future, I can look to the One who holds the future in His hands and find peace. I find courage when I reflect upon the absolute set standards of God’s Law, His promises for obedience and examples of His blessings throughout history for those nations who honored Him.
My fear is for those who dismiss God and His Word as they seek to live autonomous lives devoid of any Biblical standards, Christian ethics and understanding.
Psalm 53, verses 1 – 3 tells us:
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”
Friends, let us not be like the fool and deny the existence of a holy and just God, but instead let’s seek His kingdom and all righteousness by raising a Biblical Standard in our spheres of influence, including our civil government.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
A Faith to Live By
Many are experiencing financial difficulties due to the economic downturn our nation is experiencing. We all have friends and/or family members who have lost their jobs and some who have even lost their homes.
The Bureau of Labor reports:
“The national unemployment rate was 8.9 percent in April 2009, seasonally adjusted, up from 8.5 percent the prior month and from 5.0 percent a year earlier.”
(Source: BLS.gov, Mass Layoffs, Monthly – May 2009.)
These are challenging times in which to live, and while many have placed their trust in temporal things, they now see that foundation is not as sure as they once thought it was.
I invite you to seek refuge in the sure rock of Christ Jesus. And while the Christian has eternal security in which to place his hope, he also has the temporal security of knowing that God is his help, refuge, and strength.
Scripture tell us:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
"Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
"Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
Selah.
"There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
"God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.”
(Psalm 46: 1-5 KJV)
Arthur W. Pink (1886 – 1952) wrote this during the Great Depression, “The saddest feature to us which is now presented by the worldwide ‘Depression,’ is not the material destitution which has overtaken millions of our fellow creatures, but the spiritual poverty of so many of our dear Brethren and Sisters in Christ...
“Now three things are indispensable if we are to enjoy God's blessings, rather than suffer His chastisements.
“First, all known sin—past as well as present—must be repented of, confessed, and forsaken (Proverbs 28:13). It is unpardoned sins which withhold good things from us (Jer. 5:25). This principle has always obtained, and will unto the end of time.
“Second, real trust in the Lord: ‘According unto your faith be it unto you’ (Matt. 9:29). Even the promises of God avail us not unless they be personally ‘embraced’ (Heb. 11:13). ‘You have not, because you ask not’ (James 4:2)—ask not with a real, living, expectant, persistent faith.
“Third, an honest effort to serve Him: God will not place a premium upon disobedience. In keeping His commandments there is ‘great reward’ (Psalm 19:11). True, we do not purchase God's favors; nevertheless, in His moral government of the world, He stands pledged to recompense the righteous ‘in the earth’
(Proverbs 11:31).”
(Source: Arthur W. Pink, Sound the Alarm, GraceGems.org)
May we live and trust God in such a way that others will see we truly have a faith to live by. Amen.
The Bureau of Labor reports:
“The national unemployment rate was 8.9 percent in April 2009, seasonally adjusted, up from 8.5 percent the prior month and from 5.0 percent a year earlier.”
(Source: BLS.gov, Mass Layoffs, Monthly – May 2009.)
These are challenging times in which to live, and while many have placed their trust in temporal things, they now see that foundation is not as sure as they once thought it was.
I invite you to seek refuge in the sure rock of Christ Jesus. And while the Christian has eternal security in which to place his hope, he also has the temporal security of knowing that God is his help, refuge, and strength.
Scripture tell us:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
"Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
"Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
Selah.
"There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
"God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.”
(Psalm 46: 1-5 KJV)
Arthur W. Pink (1886 – 1952) wrote this during the Great Depression, “The saddest feature to us which is now presented by the worldwide ‘Depression,’ is not the material destitution which has overtaken millions of our fellow creatures, but the spiritual poverty of so many of our dear Brethren and Sisters in Christ...
“Now three things are indispensable if we are to enjoy God's blessings, rather than suffer His chastisements.
“First, all known sin—past as well as present—must be repented of, confessed, and forsaken (Proverbs 28:13). It is unpardoned sins which withhold good things from us (Jer. 5:25). This principle has always obtained, and will unto the end of time.
“Second, real trust in the Lord: ‘According unto your faith be it unto you’ (Matt. 9:29). Even the promises of God avail us not unless they be personally ‘embraced’ (Heb. 11:13). ‘You have not, because you ask not’ (James 4:2)—ask not with a real, living, expectant, persistent faith.
“Third, an honest effort to serve Him: God will not place a premium upon disobedience. In keeping His commandments there is ‘great reward’ (Psalm 19:11). True, we do not purchase God's favors; nevertheless, in His moral government of the world, He stands pledged to recompense the righteous ‘in the earth’
(Proverbs 11:31).”
(Source: Arthur W. Pink, Sound the Alarm, GraceGems.org)
May we live and trust God in such a way that others will see we truly have a faith to live by. Amen.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Turn Justice Back to What is Right
Gallup recently conducted their annual Values and Beliefs Survey which indicates more Americans consider themselves to be pro-life than in previous years with 51% of American respondents claiming to be pro-life. The May 2009 survey also reports 23% of the public holds to a 100% pro-life view that abortion should be illegal in all circumstances:
“The May 2009 survey documents comparable changes in public views about the legality of abortion. In answer to a question providing three options for the extent to which abortion should be legal, about as many Americans now say the procedure should be illegal in all circumstances (23%) as say it should be legal under any circumstances (22%). This contrasts with the last four years, when Gallup found a strong tilt of public attitudes in favor of unrestricted abortion.”
(Source: Gallup, More Americans “Pro-Life” Than “Pro-Choice” for First Time, http://www.gallup.com/poll/118399/more-americans-pro-life-than-pro-choice-first-time.aspx )
While some are calling this an encouraging trend, I can only express dismay that such a large majority of citizens in our nation has embraced the lie that an unborn human being is nothing more than a piece of tissue to be discarded like trash.
Where is the church in America? Why aren’t we standing on God’s Word and doing our part to end the silent holocaust of millions of preborn human beings?
Scripture tells us to:
“Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.”
(Psalm 82, vs.3 and 4 – NKJV)
Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Psalm 82, verses 1 – 5 explains that “Magistrates are the mighty in authority for the public good. Magistrates are the ministers of God's providence, for keeping up order and peace, and particularly in punishing evil-doers, and protecting those that do well. Good princes and good judges, who mean well, are under Divine direction; and bad ones, who mean ill, are under Divine restraint. The authority of God is to be submitted to, in those governors whom his providence places over us. But when justice is turned from what is right, no good can be expected.”
How can we turn justice back to what is right? First of all, we must elect godly men who will govern according to God’s Word; and we can work to establish protection and justice for all human beings, including the preborn.
Steve Lefemine, pro-life missionary, lobbyist and director of Columbia (SC) Christians for Life reports that six states are known to have Personhood legislation filed in the State Legislature for 2009: Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, Montana, North Dakota, and South Carolina, while the state of Virginia currently has a bill proposed which will “assert the Virginia Constitutional right to enjoyment of life to be vested at fertilization for each ‘human being.’" And citizens in Mississippi are currently conducting a petition drive to place a Personhood Constitutional Amendment on their 2010 ballot.
(Source: 2009-2010 State-Level Personhood (and other selected) Legislation, http://www.christianlifeandliberty.net/2009-05-25-2009-2010-State-Level-Personhood-and-other-selected-Legislation.doc).
“The May 2009 survey documents comparable changes in public views about the legality of abortion. In answer to a question providing three options for the extent to which abortion should be legal, about as many Americans now say the procedure should be illegal in all circumstances (23%) as say it should be legal under any circumstances (22%). This contrasts with the last four years, when Gallup found a strong tilt of public attitudes in favor of unrestricted abortion.”
(Source: Gallup, More Americans “Pro-Life” Than “Pro-Choice” for First Time, http://www.gallup.com/poll/118399/more-americans-pro-life-than-pro-choice-first-time.aspx )
While some are calling this an encouraging trend, I can only express dismay that such a large majority of citizens in our nation has embraced the lie that an unborn human being is nothing more than a piece of tissue to be discarded like trash.
Where is the church in America? Why aren’t we standing on God’s Word and doing our part to end the silent holocaust of millions of preborn human beings?
Scripture tells us to:
“Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.”
(Psalm 82, vs.3 and 4 – NKJV)
Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Psalm 82, verses 1 – 5 explains that “Magistrates are the mighty in authority for the public good. Magistrates are the ministers of God's providence, for keeping up order and peace, and particularly in punishing evil-doers, and protecting those that do well. Good princes and good judges, who mean well, are under Divine direction; and bad ones, who mean ill, are under Divine restraint. The authority of God is to be submitted to, in those governors whom his providence places over us. But when justice is turned from what is right, no good can be expected.”
How can we turn justice back to what is right? First of all, we must elect godly men who will govern according to God’s Word; and we can work to establish protection and justice for all human beings, including the preborn.
Steve Lefemine, pro-life missionary, lobbyist and director of Columbia (SC) Christians for Life reports that six states are known to have Personhood legislation filed in the State Legislature for 2009: Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, Montana, North Dakota, and South Carolina, while the state of Virginia currently has a bill proposed which will “assert the Virginia Constitutional right to enjoyment of life to be vested at fertilization for each ‘human being.’" And citizens in Mississippi are currently conducting a petition drive to place a Personhood Constitutional Amendment on their 2010 ballot.
(Source: 2009-2010 State-Level Personhood (and other selected) Legislation, http://www.christianlifeandliberty.net/2009-05-25-2009-2010-State-Level-Personhood-and-other-selected-Legislation.doc).
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Leaving a Legacy of Faith
Each one of us will eventually face death and while many are uncertain about what lies beyond the grave, the Christian knows for a certainty that heaven awaits them. This knowledge gives us confidence to face mortality and say, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1Cor. 15:55) For we know our Lord “has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2Tim. 1:10).
Scripture tells us:
“He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 25:8)
“For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Rev. 7:17)
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)
We can also find comfort in the testimonies of those who have passed on to glory. Christian history is full of examples of common men and women who made a difference while on this earth and who helped to advance God’s kingdom by living lives devoted to Jesus Christ.
Recently I came across this devotional from “In the Gates” by Rev. T.M. Moore called “Honor our Forebears – The Fifth Commandment,” which gives greater insight into the meaning of “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12):
“There is an appalling level of ignorance, indifference, and even outright scorn for our Christian forebears among members of the Body of Christ today. Too many indulge a studied neglect of the history of God’s people, and have no interest in the lessons they might learn from those whose faithfulness has made their own faith possible. But surely the fifth commandment entails that we should honor our forebears in the faith. Our attitude should be that of the psalmist: “As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the holy ones, in whom is all my delight” (Ps. 16.3). The faithful of the Lord who have gone before us have much to teach us about serving Him and gaining the blessing of His promises. As we improve our practice of the fifth commandment, let us not forget to honor our parents in the faith from days gone by.”
Will you be leaving a legacy of faith to bless others when your course on earth is finished?
Scripture tells us:
“He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 25:8)
“For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Rev. 7:17)
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)
We can also find comfort in the testimonies of those who have passed on to glory. Christian history is full of examples of common men and women who made a difference while on this earth and who helped to advance God’s kingdom by living lives devoted to Jesus Christ.
Recently I came across this devotional from “In the Gates” by Rev. T.M. Moore called “Honor our Forebears – The Fifth Commandment,” which gives greater insight into the meaning of “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12):
“There is an appalling level of ignorance, indifference, and even outright scorn for our Christian forebears among members of the Body of Christ today. Too many indulge a studied neglect of the history of God’s people, and have no interest in the lessons they might learn from those whose faithfulness has made their own faith possible. But surely the fifth commandment entails that we should honor our forebears in the faith. Our attitude should be that of the psalmist: “As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the holy ones, in whom is all my delight” (Ps. 16.3). The faithful of the Lord who have gone before us have much to teach us about serving Him and gaining the blessing of His promises. As we improve our practice of the fifth commandment, let us not forget to honor our parents in the faith from days gone by.”
Will you be leaving a legacy of faith to bless others when your course on earth is finished?
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